Europe Composite Cylinders Market Research, 2032
The Europe composite cylinders market size was valued at $117.0 million in 2022 and is projected to reach $173.6 million by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 4.1% from 2023 to 2032. An increase in adoption of natural gas in automotive industry and rise in environmental awareness drives the growth of Europe composite cylinders market. However, intense competition, high cost of composite cylinders, and stringent regulatory approvals restraint the growth of Europe composite cylinders market. The longevity and durability of composite cylinder provides a lucrative opportunity to the Europe composite cylinders market growth.
Introduction
The composite cylinder, known as a composite pressure vessel, is a type of container designed to store and transport gases or liquids under pressure. Composite cylinders are constructed using a combination of materials such as carbon fiber, fiberglass, and resin, resulting in a lightweight yet durable container. These cylinders offer several advantages over their metal counterparts, including, corrosion resistance, and reduced maintenance requirements.
In Europe, composite cylinders find applications across various industries due to their versatility and performance characteristics. One prominent use is in the transportation and storage of compressed natural gas (CNG). With rise in emphasis on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and transitioning towards cleaner energy sources, CNG has emerged as an attractive alternative fuel for vehicles, particularly in urban areas. Composite cylinders provide a safe and efficient means of storing CNG onboard vehicles, enabling extended driving ranges and facilitating the widespread adoption of natural gas-powered vehicles across Europe.
Another significant application of composite cylinders in Europe is the storage and distribution of compressed hydrogen gas. Hydrogen is considered as a promising energy carrier for decarbonizing sectors such as transportation, industry, and power generation. Composite cylinders offer a lightweight and robust solution for storing high-pressure hydrogen, making them well-suited for use in hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, stationary fuel cell systems, and hydrogen refueling stations. As European countries pursue ambitious targets for reducing carbon emissions and transitioning to renewable energy sources, the demand for composite cylinders for hydrogen storage is expected to increase significantly.
Key Takeaways
- The Europe composite cylinders market report is highly fragmented, with several players including Hexagon Ragasco AS, Luxfer Gas Cylinders, Plastic Omnium, Worthington Industries, NPROXX, Mahytec, Voith GmbH & Co. KGaA, and FORVIA Faurecia.
- More than 6,765 product literatures, industry releases, annual reports, and other such documents of major industry participants along with authentic industry journals, trade associations' releases, and government websites have been reviewed for generating high-value industry insights.
- The study covers nearly 20 countries. The segment analysis of each country in terms of value and volume during the forecast period 2022-2032 is covered in the Europe composite cylinders market share.
Market Dynamics
The automotive industry is increasingly interested in hydrogen fuel cell technology, thus increasing the demand for lightweight and durable CHG cylinders. European automakers are heavily investing in hydrogen fuel cell research, aiming to commercialize hydrogen-powered vehicles for both passenger and commercial use.
The expansion of hydrogen refueling infrastructure across Europe underscores the need for efficient storage solutions. In addition, CNG vehicles are gaining traction, with Hermes UK introducing Iveco's 70 S-way CNG vehicles to its fleet to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2035. These vehicles emit significantly less carbon dioxide compared to diesel vehicles, showcasing the growing importance of alternative fuel technologies in meeting emissions regulations.
In Europe, the composite cylinder market is fiercely competitive, with both established players and new entrants striving for market dominance. This competition drives companies to continually innovate, enhance product quality, and offer competitive pricing. However, the high production costs of composite cylinders, attributed to expensive materials like carbon fiber and fiberglass, as well as specialized manufacturing processes and stringent quality control, present a significant challenge. Moreover, regulatory hurdles, such as stringent certification requirements imposed by bodies like the Economic Commission for Europe, add further complexity to the industry landscape.
Segments Overview
The Europe composite cylinder market overview is segmented into cylinder type, fiber type, end use, and country. On the basis of cylinder type, the market is classified into compressed natural gas (CNG) and compressed hydrogen gas (CHG). On the basis of fiber type, the market is diversified into glass fiber composites, carbon fiber composites, aramid fiber composites, and others. On the basis of end use, the market is categorized into gas carriers and storage, transportation, life support, recreation, and others. Country-wise, the market is analyzed into Germany, France, Italy, Spain, UK, and Rest of Europe.
By Cylinder Type
CNG is projected as the most lucrative segment.
Based on cylinder type, compressed natural gas (CNG) segment dominated the Europe composite cylinder market trends. CNG cylinders are utilized in various industrial applications, including heating, manufacturing processes, and power generation. Industries often use natural gas as a cost-effective and efficient fuel source, and CNG cylinders provide a convenient way to store and transport the gas. Vehicles powered with compressed natural gas (CNG) operate similar to gasoline-powered vehicles with spark ignited internal combustion engines. The engine functions the same way as a gasoline engine. In response to high fuel prices and environmental concerns, CNG has been used in auto rickshaws, pickup trucks, transit & school buses, and trains.
By Fiber Type
Carbon Fiber Composites is projected as the most lucrative segment.
On the basis of fiber type, carbon fiber composites is the most lucrative segment in the market. Carbon composite gas cylinders are used where there is requirement of a very high volume of gas to be stored in a very lightweight cylinder. Carbon composite gas cylinders exhibit lightweight and can withstand very high pressure inside. These cylinders are up to 70% lighter than conventional alloy steel cylinders. In addition, they can withstand pressure of 310 kg/cm2.
By End-use
Transportation is projected as the most lucrative segment.
Based on end-use transportation segment dominated the Europe composite cylinders market share. Public transportation systems in many European countries have been early adopters of alternative fuels such as CNG and CHG. Buses powered by CNG are increasingly common, offering reduced emissions as compared to diesel counterparts. For instance, cities such as Madrid, Barcelona, and Rome have implemented CNG-powered bus fleets, contributing to cleaner air and reduced greenhouse gas emissions.
Based on countries Germany, dominated the Europe composite cylinders market forecast. Germany, known for its automotive prowess, is increasingly integrating composite cylinders in vehicles. These cylinders are used for storing compressed natural gas (CNG) or hydrogen, supporting the country's efforts towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting clean transportation.
Competitive Analysis
The major players operating in the Europe composite cylinders industry analysis include Hexagon Ragasco AS, Luxfer Gas Cylinders, Plastic Omnium, Worthington Industries, NPROXX, Mahytec, Voith GmbH & Co. KGaA, and FORVIA Faurecia. Hexagon Ragasco’s launched smart cylinder technology, with an “Internet of Things” (IoT) offering that enables the connection of Hexagon Ragasco’ s composite cylinders to consumers. It gives the LPG distributor insight into consumer-usage patterns, allowing optimized logistics.
The Luxfer Gas Cylinders Nottingham team participated in a volunteer event at Wollaton Hall, a historic Grade I listed country house and park in Nottingham. Their efforts focused on supporting the renovation of the walled gardens' public space. As part of their contribution to environmental sustainability, the company planted hydrogen storage solutions, aligning with their commitment to a cleaner future. HENSOLDT AG acquires Mahytec to strengthen its hydrogen solutions business. HENSOLDT entered into an agreement to purchase Mahytec, a leading manufacturer of hydrogen storage tanks and renewable energy storage systems.
Recent Key Developments Europe Composite Cylinders Industry
According to the German Aerospace Industries Association (BDLI), the country saw total sales of $37 billion (EUR 31.4 billion) during the financial year 2021. Civil aviation observed the highest market share of sales, around $26 billion (EUR 22 billion). Every sixth commercial aircraft worldwide is assembled in and delivered from Germany. Carbon fiber cylinder is gaining popularity for storing emergency equipment such as life rafts, emergency oxygen systems, and firefighting equipment on board aircraft.
Historic Trends of Europe Composite Cylinders Market
- In the 1970s the use of composite materials expands further in Europe, driven by advancements in manufacturing techniques and increasing demand for lightweight, corrosion-resistant components. Composite cylinders begin to find applications in sectors such as transportation (e.g., compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles), leisure (e.g., scuba diving tanks), and medical (e.g., oxygen storage).
- In the 1980s, composite materials started to see more widespread use in various industries, including automotive, marine, and sporting goods. In Europe, this decade saw the emergence of composite cylinder prototypes and early commercialization efforts, particularly in sectors where lightweight and corrosion-resistant materials were advantageous.
- In the 2010s composite cylinders became increasingly prevalent in Europe, finding applications in diverse sectors such as alternative fuel vehicles, aerospace, healthcare, and leisure activities. With a growing emphasis on sustainability and energy efficiency, composite cylinders played a vital role in promoting the use of clean fuels like compressed natural gas (CNG) and hydrogen.
Europe Composite Cylinders Market Report Highlights
| Aspects | Details |
 By Fiber Type |
|
 By Cylinder Type |
|
 By End-Use |
|
 Key Market Players | Worthington Industries, Mahytec, Hexagon Ragasco AS, Luxfer Gas Cylinders, NPROXX, Voith GmbH & Co. KGaA, Plastic Omnium, FORVIA Faurecia |
Analyst Review
According to the insights of the of the top-level CXOs, the Europe composite cylinder market was dominated by the CNG segment in 2022. One of the primary applications of composite cylinders in CNG is for vehicle fuel tanks. These tanks are used in natural gas-powered vehicles, including cars, buses, trucks, and even some trains. Composite cylinders offer a lightweight alternative to traditional metal tanks, improving fuel efficiency and reducing vehicle weight.
Rise in environmental awareness drives the growth of the Europe composite cylinder market. Natural gas is increasingly used as a transportation fuel in Europe due to its low emissions of nitrogen oxides and soot, improving local air quality. Compared to gasoline, vehicles powered by compressed natural gas (CNG) emit 5-10% less CO2. In May 2022, Iberdrola launched Europe's largest green hydrogen production plant in Puertollano, Spain, featuring solar power, battery storage, and electrolytic hydrogen production. The use of composite cylinders for storing and transporting hydrogen is expected to rise alongside increasing environmental awareness in Europe.
However, intense competition, high cost of composite cylinders, and stringent regulatory approvals restraint the growth of Europe composite cylinder market. High production costs, attributed to expensive materials and specialized processes, pose a significant challenge. Composite cylinders, made from materials such as carbon fiber and fiberglass, are costly to manufacture in Europe as compared to traditional metal due to materials and process expenses.
Increase in adoption of natural gas in the automotive industry and rise in environmental awareness drives the growth of Europe composite cylinders market.
The Europe composite cylinders market was valued at $117.0 million in 2022 and is projected to reach $173.6 million by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 4,1% from 2023 to 2032.
The major companies operating in the Europe composite cylinder market include Hexagon Ragasco AS, Luxfer Gas Cylinders, Plastic Omnium, Worthington Industries, NPROXX, Mahytec, Voith GmbH & Co. KGaA, and FORVIA Faurecia. Interchem Private Limited (Group Of Triveni Chemicals).
Surge in demand woodworking and furniture industry and the rise in demand for paper and packaging are the opportunities for the Europe Composite Cylinders Market.
The Europe Composite Cylinders Market is segmented into grade, and application. On the basis of grade, the market is classified into partially hydrolyzed, medium hydrolyzed, and fully hydrolyzed. On the basis of application, the market is categorized into adhesive, packaging adhesives, decorative laminates and furniture assembly, and thickening agent.
Availability of substitutes from synthetic polymers restrains the growth of Europe Composite Cylinders Market
Adhesive segment dominated based by application in the market.
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